Where the Mask Ends - Chapter 2
Chapter 2
The cold wave of the night came and went without a trace. The next day, unexpectedly, it was a beautiful, sunny day.
The sunlight spilled onto the vast expanse of snow, leaving a glaring, blinding white that made one’s eyes ache.
The crabapple trees in the courtyard were blanketed in snow, with tender pink buds faintly visible amidst the white, appearing both fragile and stubborn.
Wei Rao stood by the window, wrapped in a cloak. Shading her brow with a fair hand, she smiled, her phoenix eyes curving into crescents as she looked at the snowy scenery.
The sun was so bright that the snow on the ground would be completely melted away in two or three days. Far from delaying the spring planting, it would actually add a layer of nutrient-rich water to the fields, softening the soil for plowing. In this situation, the common people would likely be overjoyed. Even if someone with ill intentions tried to spread rumors that Grandmother’s birthday had brought down divine punishment, it would only backfire and make the people grateful to her.
Although Grandmother had long ceased to care about her reputation, it was always better to have one less bucket of baseless filth thrown her way.
"Miss, hurry and come wash up. We are going out of the city today, and there will be plenty of time to enjoy the snow."
Bitao and Liya walked in one after another, carrying a water basin and a tea kettle respectively.
Wei Rao smiled, took off the cloak she didn't really need, and sat down before the vanity.
Today was Grandmother’s birthday, and Wei Rao had instructed Bitao to use every ounce of her skill to ensure she was dressed like a fairy from the Jade Pool. Grandmother’s temper was such that she didn't care if her own reputation was blackened to coal, but her appearance had to remain beautiful and elegant at all times. Even the maids around her were trained to be graceful, and the standards for her granddaughters were even higher.
"A woman, regardless of beauty or ugliness, must dress herself well. This is not to please men or outsiders, but because you cherish yourself and want to be comfortable. Think about it: a woman only has a good mood when she is comfortable, and only with a good mood can she have a healthy complexion. A healthy complexion is the ultimate beauty; otherwise, if you face a group of vexing people and troublesome matters every day, even the most expensive powder in the world cannot hide the haggardness and weariness in your eyes. If the heart is not beautiful, the face will not look beautiful either."
"There are many kinds of beauty—the poor have their ways of being beautiful, and the wealthy have theirs. What matters is this state of mind. Any woman who truly loves beauty will never allow herself to live in such a wretched state. Granted, there are those born in a mud pit, but as long as she loves beauty, she will find ways to leave the mud pit, find ways to live cleanly. If a person is clean, how can they not be beautiful?"
This was the health and lifestyle philosophy of Wei Rao’s grandmother, Lady Shou’an.
Grandmother not only demanded this of herself but also set the same requirements for her younger kin, including Wei Rao.
Wei Rao deeply agreed with this.
She was born beautiful and cherished her beauty dearly. Therefore, when her grandmother warned her to avoid suspicion and asked her to visit Lady Shou’an less often, Wei Rao never listened. She liked her grandmother; she liked catching fish and riding horses on the imperial-bestowed farmlands. That good mood was something no empty reputation or amount of makeup could replace.
Of course, besides a good mood, makeup was also important.
Wei Rao’s two head maids—Bitao and Liya—had learned their skills in serving people directly from her grandmother. From the small details of matching shoes, socks, and collars, to the broader aspects of nourishment, hair care, and skin care, both maids had mastered her grandmother’s true techniques and could have served as instructors in the palace.
Applying makeup with such care took time. Even though Bitao and Liya were experts, Wei Rao sat for two full quarters of an hour.
The Western-style vanity mirror, inlaid with various gemstones, reflected a face as vibrant as peach blossoms. Her delicate cheeks were coated with only a layer of moisturizing face cream, with the skill of the makeup focused primarily on the eyebrows and lips. Wei Rao’s eyebrows resembled those of her father, who had passed away many years ago—dark and thick, possessing a strong, masculine air. Now, they were trimmed into two crescent moons, with the tips slightly upturned, which further accentuated her gleaming, shimmering phoenix eyes.
As for Wei Rao’s lips, she felt there was nothing wrong with them, but her grandmother said her lips had grown to look like those of a demoness, as if they were enticing people to kiss her. She was already naturally stunning, and with such lips, she looked even less like a "proper" woman. If she were already married, a bit of allure wouldn't matter, but since she was still unmarried, it was better to be more reserved.
Therefore, every time she went out or met guests, Liya would draw Wei Rao’s lips to look more dignified.
"Actually, I prefer your original lip shape, Miss," Liya said with slight regret.
Wei Rao smiled; she was quite satisfied with how she looked now. Last time she visited Grandmother, she had gotten her shoes dirty while picking flowers because she was caught up in play, and she had been lectured for it. This time, Wei Rao had made up her mind: even if Lord Laozi himself descended to earth to offer her an elixir, she would not take half a step out of the carriage. She must appear before her grandmother looking beautiful and poised.
"Let’s go."
Liya stayed behind to pack the luggage, while Wei Rao took Bitao to the front courtyard to have breakfast with her grandmother.
Wei Rao had timed her arrival perfectly. Old Madam Wei had just finished dressing, wearing a dark eggplant-purple jacket. Her hair was graying, and though she was four years younger than Lady Shou’an, she looked slightly older.
The two old madams had different philosophies, but they loved Wei Rao with equal fervor. Wei Rao liked the free-spirited Lady Shou’an, but she also respected her grandmother, who managed the household so well.
"Grandmother, do you think I look beautiful today?" Like a little butterfly, Wei Rao stepped into the inner chamber and spun around in front of Old Madam Wei, lifting her skirt like a young girl.
Though it lacked the poise expected of a lady, people of Old Madam Wei’s age loved for their juniors to act spoiled and playful.
"Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. In the entire capital, you are the most beautiful," Old Madam Wei said with a laugh, her loving gaze scanning her granddaughter from top to bottom.
This little granddaughter of hers was truly beautiful.
Back when her second son died a tragic death, she was heartbroken. Her daughter-in-law, the younger Madam Zhou, had also been sad for a while. Though she had a face that looked prone to restlessness, she had dutifully observed three years of mourning for her husband and had taken good care of her granddaughter. Old Madam Wei had been greatly comforted. Unexpectedly, once the three years passed, Madam Zhou knelt before her, calmly and peacefully asking to leave the family.
At that time, Old Madam Wei could not help but be disappointed.
As a mother-in-law, she felt she had treated Madam Zhou well, and her son, while alive, had treated Madam Zhou like a precious jewel. The elder Madam Zhou had divorced and remarried because her husband had a bad habit of getting drunk and hitting people; her divorce was understandable. But what grievances had Madam Zhou suffered? Why could she not remain a widow for her beloved husband?
Even if she didn't care about her deceased husband, how could she not think about her daughter? Wei Rao already had a grandmother with a questionable reputation, and the aunt who married a wealthy merchant was not exactly prestigious either. If her birth mother were to return home and remarry, what would others say about Wei Rao?
Old Madam Wei had reasoned with Madam Zhou, but Madam Zhou insisted on leaving, hoping to take her daughter with her.
Old Madam Wei told her to keep dreaming! Wei Rao was the only bloodline her son had left in the world; Madam Zhou should not even dream of taking her away.
During the time just after Madam Zhou left, Old Madam Wei had vented some of her anger on Wei Rao. But whenever she saw Wei Rao’s beautiful face, like a little fairy descended from the heavens, Old Madam Wei could no longer be angry. Fearing the servants would not take good care of her, she had taken Wei Rao into her own courtyard and raised her there for four years.
"It just finished snowing, and it’s cold. Why didn't you wear more?" Calling her granddaughter to her side, Old Madam Wei pinched the sleeve of her dress and frowned.
Wei Rao really didn't feel cold: "The sun is so bright, and I’ll be staying in the carriage. I won't get cold."
Old Madam Wei had no choice but to give in, and the grandmother and granddaughter walked hand in hand to eat.
After breakfast, Old Madam Wei signaled her granddaughter not to be in such a hurry to leave and gave a look to Nanny Song, who had served her for decades.
Nanny Song went into the inner chamber and returned after a while, holding a sandalwood box about two feet long.
Old Madam Wei looked at Wei Rao and said: "Inside is a string of Buddhist prayer beads. Years ago, when Master Jingkong was traveling to the capital, I was fortunate enough to have him bless these beads. Today is Lady Shou’an’s sixtieth birthday. Your grandmother doesn't have much of anything presentable to offer, so take these beads to her, Rao’er."
She did not get along with Lady Shou’an, but they hadn't reached the point of harboring deep resentment. How many sixtieth birthdays does a person get in their life? What should be sent must be sent.
Master Jingkong was a highly respected monk of the current dynasty, and Old Madam Wei was a devout Buddhist. To her, these prayer beads were truly a beloved possession.
Wei Rao quickly said: "Grandmother, you should keep them for yourself. Grandmother will be very happy just knowing you had the intention."
Old Madam Wei signaled for Bitao to take the box: "This is a matter between us elders. You just run the errand; you don't need to worry about anything else."
Wei Rao thought to herself: You are sincerely giving a gift, but Grandmother doesn't believe in gods or Buddhas. She won't take the blessed beads seriously and will only be wasting a precious item.
However, seeing Grandmother’s good intentions, Wei Rao could not bear to reveal the truth and dash her spirits.
"Actually, Grandmother wanted to invite you to the banquet at the estate, but she was afraid the distance would be hard on you in a carriage, so she didn't send an invitation," Wei Rao said, hugging her grandmother’s arm and speaking kindly on Lady Shou’an’s behalf.
Old Madam Wei pursed her lips in a smile and glared at her granddaughter: "Who are you trying to fool? Lady Shou’an has been out of the palace for so many years; when have you ever seen her invite anyone? She only sees you lot, her flesh and blood."
Wei Rao laughed apologetically: "Grandmother is just afraid that everyone will look down on her, and if she sent an invitation and they didn't come, she’d lose even more face."
Just as Old Madam Wei was about to speak, a young maid arrived to report that Madam Guo and the Third Miss had come to pay their respects.
Guo was Old Madam Wei’s eldest daughter-in-law, the current Marchioness of Cheng’an, and Wei Rao’s eldest aunt.
The grandmother and granddaughter exchanged a glance. Wei Rao didn't hide the fact that she pouted; she did not get along with Guo and her daughter.
"Alright, alright, go and prepare to leave. I will go chat with them." Old Madam Wei didn't want to hear the barbed, stinging comments Guo was sure to make in front of her granddaughter.
Wei Rao knew it—Grandmother was the most partial to her.
She hugged her grandmother’s shoulder and leaned in to kiss her, intentionally leaving a faint lip print on her cheek, then walked out with a smile.
"Greetings, Aunt. Greetings, Third Sister."
After stepping outside and seeing Guo and Wei Chan walking toward her, Wei Rao bowed politely.
The first thing Wei Chan noticed were the jadeite pendants at Wei Rao’s ears—a vibrant, glowing green, like the color of a tender leaf peering through frozen ice.
What Guo noticed was the gorgeous, expensive silk Wei Rao was wearing; it went without saying that it must have been a gift from her aunt, the elder Madam Zhou.
Wei Rao’s father, the Second Master of Wei, had died investigating corrupt officials, winning the Wei family a fine reputation among the people, but the family was not wealthy. The whole family, from Old Madam Wei downwards, lived frugally. Only Wei Rao, relying on an aunt who had married a wealthy merchant and a grandmother who frequently received rewards from Emperor Yuanjia, dressed in gold and silver, standing out like a sore thumb.
"The snow makes travel difficult, yet Rao’er is still going out of the city to visit Lady Shou’an; how truly filial," Guo said loudly, intentionally poking at Old Madam Wei inside! The old woman is truly muddled, pouring out her heart and doting on a wolf with an ungrateful heart like Wei Rao. No matter how much she dotes, it’s all useless compared to the wealth and gold of Lady Shou’an.
"Aunt is too kind. I am just ordinarily filial. The roads are inconvenient, so I am leaving early. I will bring you back some wild game from the mountains to taste."
Wei Rao didn't take it to heart and left with a smile.
Guo’s face dropped, hating Wei Rao’s shameless appearance above all else.
Wei Chan tilted her head, watching Wei Rao’s slender, graceful silhouette, like a phoenix flying into the white snow, feeling both jealous and envious.
She wanted to go out of the city to play, too! She was long tired of living in this small, rundown estate of theirs!